Exploring Conflict Between Miners and Host Communities in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research investigated the reported relationship between miners and the host community in Matobo District, to ascertain the conflict observed and reported. The researcher wanted to establish the root cause as well as to document the nature of the impacts of these conflicts. Agriculture and mining are powerful sectors that drive the economy of Zimbabwe. Conflicts between the two sectors have however been recorded at local community levels where artisanal small-scale mining affects the environment, agriculture, and a wide range of socio-economic activities. In Matobo District of Matabeleland South, conflicts between the community and small-scale miners are frequently reported and observed. Interviews were conducted as a data collection method, using questionnaires that had close- and open-ended questions which were administered to 30 community members from the Matobo District who were randomly selected as well as 30 small-scale miners from the same area who were sampled using the snow-ball non-probability sampling method. The data from the questionnaires was both qualitatively and quantitatively analysed as this study utilised a mixed methods approach. This study revealed significant differences between community members and small-scale miners’ incomes with the latter significantly earning more (p < 0.05) from mining activities. The income from mining operations acts as a motivating factor for the youth to choose mining over other economic activities such as farming in Matobo District, as well as Matabeleland South Province. The income margin also brews conflict, as the farmer perceive the gap between these two incomes as a disadvantage to them after comparing the income generated against the income projected from the same piece of land now used for mining. The farmers blame the miners for disrupting their farming activities thus depriving them of their expected income value from their lands thereby increasing tension according to the study. The causes of conflicts were reported by both sampled groups which according to them occur as a result of the overlap in land uses. These overlaps are causing serious environmental and socio-economic impacts that include cattle falling into pits dug by the small-scale miners resulting in loss of livestock. This is of concern as these livestock are a source of wealth for the communities which secures their economic statuses. Collective efforts are required so that these conflicts are addressed through policy harmonisation, at local community level, before the conflicts escalate to fully blown wars. Any major conflicts that arise without any resolution might attract international interventions as well as worsen their effects on the economic development of the nation.